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Laser Treatment for Rosacea

Nicks J
When conventional treatment fails to provide any relief, laser therapy is recommended to get rid of rosacea.
Laser treatment is an effective way to get rid of rosacea. It may be slightly uncomfortable, but it is definitely not painful. A brief stinging sensation is experienced which can be well tolerated by the patient. The pulsed dye laser is often used to reduce signs of rosacea. In this form of treatment, powerful beams of light are bombarded on the lesions and visible blood vessels that are just under the skin. The energy of the laser beam produces heat, that is absorbed by the blood vessels, eventually causing them to collapse.
Laser therapy has been very effective in treating the following symptoms of rosacea
  • Visible blood vessels
  • Extensive redness
  • Enlarged nose and cheeks
  • Facial veins
  • Spider veins
A recent study revealed that 2 sessions of laser therapy decreases the redness by 40 to 60% in people suffering from severe rosacea.
Although this treatment has side effects, they are not a cause for concern. The side effects are temporary, that generally last for 2-3 days. Lasers can greatly reduce flushing, burning, and swelling observed in rosacea patients.
Multiple sessions are generally required to get the best possible results. With every session, there is a consistent decrease in the symptoms of rosacea.
The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. The doctor may assess the skin condition and accordingly decide the number of sessions required to improve the skin texture.

Dos and Don'ts

Proper skin care is necessary to maintain the results. Doctors generally recommend application of a strong sunscreen daily, after treatment. For long-lasting result, one should avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Also, treating this skin condition with laser requires skill and precision to get the desired result. Overtreatment develops circular marks on the skin. Hence, it is essential to consult a physician who is highly skilled in using lasers.
Other lasers such as Nd:YAG laser, diode laser and KTP laser are also used for the treatment of dilated blood vessels. Some patients suffering from long-standing rosacea have thickened skin on the cheeks and nose. In such cases, erbium:YAG and CO2 laser helps eliminate the thickened skin and improve the shape of the nose.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this Story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.